Studying abroad through an athletic opportunity: how to build an international career in business and sales

Studying abroad through an athletic opportunity is one of the most effective ways to combine academic education, personal development, and access to international career opportunities. Beyond sports, this path allows students to build a competitive profile in global industries such as business, marketing, and sales.

Said Samara’s journey shows how a well-planned trajectory can evolve from the university level into professional roles within multinational companies.

The starting point: athletic opportunity and international education

In 2019, Said began his process of studying abroad with the support of Propella, gaining access to Robert Morris University, an institution competing in NCAA Division 1.

There, he started his studies in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing, a field aligned with high-growth areas such as sales, commercial strategy, and business development.

From the beginning, this experience allowed him to:

-Access a highly competitive university system

-Compete in NCAA-level college sports

-Develop key skills inside and outside the classroom

-Build an academic foundation with a global perspective

Strategic transfer: expanding academic and professional opportunities

As part of his growth, Said made the strategic decision to transfer to the University of South Florida, a university with stronger industry connections.

During this stage, he not only continued his academic development but also became actively involved in key programs:

Professional Sales Club

Participation in organizations like this allows students to develop commercial skills, expand their network, and gain exposure to companies.

Corporate Mentor Program

This program connects students with industry professionals, providing direct mentorship and career guidance.

Why is this stage critical?

Studying abroad through an athletic opportunity is not a linear process. The ability to make strategic decisions, such as transferring, can:

-Increase career opportunities

-Improve access to multinational companies

-Expand professional networks

-Better align academic paths with career goals

Work experience in the United States: building a professional profile

One of the key advantages of this path is the opportunity to gain work experience before and after graduation.

2022: Sales Management Intern at PepsiCo (Florida)

In May 2022, Said secured an internship at PepsiCo, one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

During this experience, he developed skills in:

-Sales strategy

-Market analysis

-Client management

-Commercial execution

2022: Guest Service Attendant at Vinik Sports Group

That same year, he also worked at Vinik Sports Group, strengthening his experience in customer service, operations, and managing high-paced environments.

From internship to full-time role: growth within a multinational

In 2023, Said took the next step in his career by becoming a Sales Management Associate at PepsiCo.

This transition highlights one of the clearest indicators of the value of this pathway: internships can turn into full-time professional opportunities.

What enabled this growth?

-Previous experience within the company

-Skills developed during university

-Strategic networking

-Academic background aligned with the role

Graduating with this level of experience positions students with a clear advantage over other candidates.

Current role: international projection in consulting

Today, Said works as a Digital Demand Executive for North America at Westernacher Consulting, a global firm focused on business solutions.

In this role, he works on digital strategy, demand generation, and business development in a highly competitive market.

What does this step reflect?

-Ability to adapt across different industries

-Evolution from sales into digital strategy

-International career projection

-Application of skills across multiple environments

This confirms that studying abroad through an athletic opportunity does not limit students to one industry, it opens doors across multiple professional paths.

The impact of being a student-athlete

The student-athlete profile is not only relevant in sports, but also in industries like business and sales.

Key skills developed:

-Discipline and consistency

Essential for commercial roles and performance-driven environments

-Effective communication

Critical for sales, negotiation, and leadership

-Resilience

Necessary in competitive, results-oriented settings

-Teamwork

Applicable in both sports and corporate environments

These skills played a key role in Said’s professional growth.

Why pursue this path in business?

Said’s case highlights concrete benefits for students interested in commercial fields:

-Access to multinational companies

-Early work experience

-Strong networking development

-Globally competitive profile

-Specialized guidance

The role of Propella in the process

Studying abroad through an athletic opportunity requires strategy, preparation, and a deep understanding of the system.

Propella supports students through:

-Identifying academic and athletic opportunities

-Preparing university applications

-Advising on strategic decisions such as transfers

-Guiding students to maximize career opportunities

This support allows students to fully leverage their international experience.

Studying abroad through an athletic opportunity is a platform to build a strong international career. Said Samara’s journey demonstrates how this path can evolve from college sports into roles within multinational companies and global consulting firms.

For students and families, understanding this process enables informed decisions that directly impact long-term professional outcomes.